If you’re thinking about getting an EV charging installation, you’re probably thinking about the costs. The cost of the installation itself is a one-time purchase; the costs you pay to charge your vehicle, however, are ongoing. There are some things you need to know before you call your local electrician for an install.
The good news is that, in most cases, it’s not very expensive to charge your electric car at home. If you’re ready to get an EV charger at home, choose an electrician who offers:
- The highest level of EV charger installation, maintenance, and upgrades.
- A wealth of knowledge about the clever ways to save money while charging at home.
- A willingness to answer all your questions and provide the most up-to-date information.
If you’re considering getting an EV charger at home, it’s best to call us at Rock Electrical. Based in Clarkston, Michigan, we serve homes throughout Metro Detroit. Contact us with your questions about affordable EV charging and more!
Affordable & Effective EV Charging Installation & Use
If you want an EV charger installed in your home, you have to find an experienced local electrician who installs, services, and upgrades these units. The best provider also helps you maximize your system’s use to give you the best chance of paying the lowest possible usage rates.
This is important because you’ll be using that charger for as long as you have your electric vehicle.
The best local electrician serving Metro Detroit will answer these questions about the financial side of home charging:
1. “Can’t I Just Charge at the Library?”
Sure you can, but a good electrician will explain the downsides of public charging. The biggest problem is the long lines. Secondly, it’s not the best charging strategy. Most public libraries and recreation centers in Metro Detroit offer Level 2 charging. These units typically deliver about 20–25 miles of range per hour. In other words, this is a top-off service at best. The people waiting behind you in line might get upset if you try to get a four-hour charge for those longer trips!
Some highway stops and commercial hubs offer DC fast charging stations. They quickly fill your car’s battery incredibly fast, but this can create significant heat and internal friction, which is called “thermal stress.” Over time, this could damage your battery’s internal chemistry to the point that it loses some amount of driving range. Charging at home with a Level 2 charging station helps avoid this problem.
2. “Is Having an EV Charger Expensive?”
In most cases, the answer is “no,” it’s not super-expensive to charge your EV at home. The costs often depend on your base rate and the plan you’re on. Some electricians have a general understanding of the local rates, but the best information can be found at the source. If you’re curious about usage costs in Metro Detroit, check out what DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are offering in your community.
3. “When Should I Charge My Car?”
This is a good question, since many energy providers have what’s called “off-peak times.” During these times, your cost per Kilowatt-Hour (kWh) is at its lowest. While every energy provider is different, midnight to about 6 am is generally the time when homeowners pay the least for their power usage.
Keep in mind that these off-peak hours and energy rates can differ between providers, as well as what plan your one. It always helps to contact your provider for more detailed information.
An experienced local electrician can help you take advantage of charging during off-peak hours. This typically includes having them install a second meter socket and a specialized sub-panel. Your electrical setup also needs to be compatible with a specific utility program. In most cases, this means calling your provider to enroll in an energy plan with overnight savings or EV-only rates.
While all of this takes a bit of work, time, and added costs, the money you’ll save in the long run makes it well worth it.
Choose Rock Electrical for Your EV Charging Installation
You can waste time in long lines for small charges, or risk draining your battery at overpowered stations. On the other hand, you could have an EV charger installed in your home for affordable, risk-free power.
When you’re ready to enjoy the affordable benefits of home-charging, Rock Electrical is ready to help you. Our skilled technicians have extensive installation experience in the field, backed by their professional on-the-job demeanor.
Are you ready to get an EV charger at home to keep your car properly powered? If so, call (248) 620-6555 or contact us online today for a quote in Metro Detroit!